Olympus 1s vs Panasonic ZS70

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus 1s vs Panasonic ZS70, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap between the sensor resolutions of the 1s (12MP) and ZS70 (20MP) and the 1s (1/1.7") and ZS70 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The 1s was revealed 24 months earlier than the ZS70 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS70 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a brief summary of how the 1s matches up versus the ZS70 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 1s & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus 1s Gallery & Panasonic ZS70 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus 1s enjoys outer dimensions of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") accompanied by a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS70 has sizing of 112mm x 67mm x 41mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.6") having a weight of 322 grams (0.71 lbs).

See the Olympus 1s vs Panasonic ZS70 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the 1s compared to the ZS70.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1s and ZS70 is 79 and 87 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing just by reviewing specs. The photograph underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1s and ZS70.

All in all, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 1s using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS70 will offer more detail because of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs far more aggressively. The older 1s is going to be behind in sensor technology.